GARSTON MP Maria Eagle revealed that half of all cases of self-harm by prisoners are committed by women, although they make up only 5% of the UK jail population.

But the number of deaths as a result has remained at a three-year average of 60 which, she said, was a “significant improvement” on previous periods. We are taking steps to deal with serious self-harm in all our prisons,” she said.

“One of the best ways of protecting vulnerable women is to provide alternatives to custody for petty offences.”

The government has earmarked £15.5m this year to tackle female offending behaviour.